Pen Gun and Firing Assembly

ABSTRACT

A pen gun firing assembly for a pen gun which comprises a firearm cylinder having a firearm barrel at a first end and a spring seat at a second opposite end, the firearm cylinder having a non-linear track in an outer surface thereof. A firing mechanism is receivable within the firearm cylinder which comprises a firing pin having a lateral engagement projection which is held captive by the non-linear track, and a spring which is compressible against the spring seat. A cocking sleeve which is retractable relative to the firearm cylinder is also provided, the cocking sleeve having a non-linear latching slot, the lateral engagement projection and non-linear latching slot disengaging upon relative rotation of the firearm cylinder and cocking sleeve to trigger firing of the pen gun firing assembly.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a pen gun firing assembly, preferably but not necessarily exclusively a fountain pen gun. The invention further relates to a pen gun having such a fountain pen gun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A pen gun is firearm which is disguised as a writing implement, most commonly as a fountain pen. The concealment is typically used to add mystique or prestige to an otherwise ordinary item, rather than being an offensive weapon, and therefore such items are often bespoke or highly ornate, and appearance is traditionally considered of more relevance than the functionality.

This trade-off has meant that, in order to provide the working components of a gun inside a pen body, there is no space available for ink cartridges to be inserted, and therefore, the pen component can only be utilized if the nib is filled via an ink well.

Additionally, existing pen guns often require cocking handles to be present on the exterior of the pen body, clearly indicating that the pen gun is not merely a writing implement to the casual observer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a pen gun which has a pen gun firing assembly and which can be used as a writing implement, whilst having the clear appearance of a pen.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pen gun firing assembly for a pen gun, the pen gun firing assembly comprising: a firearm cylinder having a firearm barrel at a first end and a spring seat at a second opposite end, the firearm cylinder having a non-linear track in an outer surface thereof; a firing mechanism receivable within the firearm cylinder, the firing mechanism comprising a firing pin having a lateral engagement projection which is held captive by the non-linear track, and a spring which is compressible against the spring seat; and a cocking sleeve which is retractable relative to the firearm cylinder, the cocking sleeve having a non-linear latching slot which is engageable with the lateral engagement projection to retract the firing pin, the lateral engagement projection and non-linear latching slot disengaging upon relative rotation of the firearm cylinder and cocking sleeve to trigger firing of the pen gun firing assembly.

The provision of a pen gun firing assembly which has two retractable parts which trigger the cocking and firing of the pen gun allows for a void to be provided inside the cocking sleeve. This ensures that an ink cartridge can be introduced into the pen body, allowing the pen gun to be operated as a writing implement. Furthermore, the cocking sleeve is completely receivable within a pen body, ensuring that no external cocking handle is required.

Preferably, the firearm barrel may be releasably engageable with the firearm cylinder, in which case, the firearm barrel may be screw-threadably engaged with the firearm cylinder, optionally having a left-handed screw thread.

The provision of the firearm barrel allows for ready assembly and disassembly of the pen gun, which can be beneficial for the introduction of ammunition into the pen gun. A left-handed or reverse thread on the barrel may beneficially further disguise that the pen gun is anything other than a pen, and/or may prevent accidental disassembly of pen gun firing assembly.

The non-linear latching slot may include an axial run and a perpendicular shoulder, and the perpendicular shoulder may include a detent portion which is complementarily engageable with the lateral engagement projection.

The latching slot is arranged to allow cocking of the pen gun firing assembly by a retraction and rotation process. A perpendicular shoulder advantageously provides a ledge upon which the lateral engagement projection can rest, preventing accidental discharge of the pen gun.

Alternatively, the non-linear latching slot may include an axial run and a retaining shoulder which is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the axial run.

An alternative latching slot arrangement is one using an oblique angle relative to the axial run. This advantageously reduces both the magnitude of the retraction and rotation which is required in order to cock the firing pin, which may simplify the firing mechanism, particularly for those having limited strength.

The non-linear track may include an axial run and a perpendicular track shoulder, the perpendicular track shoulder defining a cocked position of the firing pin, and preferably, the perpendicular track shoulder may additionally have a detent portion which is complementarily engageable with the lateral engagement projection.

The perpendicular track shoulder of the non-linear track serves to provide a cocked seating position for the lateral engagement projection, ensuring that the pen gun does not accidentally discharge under the force of the spring.

The firearm cylinder may further comprise a secondary engagement projection, the cocking sleeve including a rear track having a secondary latching shoulder which is engageable with the secondary engagement projection.

The rear track prevents accidental disengagement of the firearm cylinder and cocking sleeve, enabling the smooth operation of the pen gun.

Preferably, the firing pin may comprise a cylindrical body portion which is abuttably engageable with the spring and which has a diametric bore, and a pin element which is receivable within the diametric bore to form the lateral engagement projection.

The firing pin may have a plurality of said lateral engagement projections, the firearm cylinder has a plurality of complementary said non-linear tracks, and the cocking sleeve has a plurality of complementary said non-linear latching slots.

The provision of a removable pin element within the firing pin which creates the lateral engagement projections ensures that the pin element can be readily removed for disassembly of the firing mechanism, thereby simplifying maintenance and cleaning of the pen gun.

Optionally, the firing pin may be a rimfire firing pin.

The pen gun is likely to be a firearm which accepts low calibre ammunition, given the size of the writing implement. As such, the more cost effective and low-recoil rimfire arrangement can be readily utilized in the pen gun.

Preferably the firearm cylinder and cocking sleeve may be formed from titanium, for example.

A titanium casing is better able to withstand the recoil of the pen gun firing assembly, without resulting in damage to the writing assembly of the pen gun, which could readily result in ink leakage. Titanium is also stronger than steel, whilst being considerably lighter, without the danger of rusting.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pen gun comprising a pen gun firing assembly preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; a lower pen body portion receivable around the firearm cylinder; an upper pen body portion which is receivable around the cocking sleeve and is rotatable relative to the lower pen body portion; and a writing tip portion which defines, in conjunction with the cocking sleeve, an ink-cartridge recess at or adjacent to the upper pen body portion.

A pen gun which can be fired using rotation of the various body parts allows for the inclusion of a firearm mechanism as described here before. This allows for sufficient space to be provided for an ink cartridge.

The upper and lower pen body portions together may define a flush outer surface of the pen gun.

The aesthetic appearance of the pen gun is important for the majority of users, and therefore it is preferred that there is no obvious discontinuity between the various components of the pen body.

Preferably, the writing tip portion may include a neck portion and a nib which is held by the neck portion.

The fountain pen is typically considered to be the most appealing writing implement, and therefore a nibbed writing assembly may be the most prestigious version of the pen gun which can be produced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective representation of one embodiment of a pen gun in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective representation of the pen gun of FIG. 1 with the cap removed;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the writing assembly of the pen gun of FIG. 1, including a cocking sleeve comprising part of a first embodiment of a pen gun firing assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the neck portion of the writing assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the neck portion, nib and ink cartridge of the writing assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of the nib and ink cartridge of the writing assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the upper pen body portion of the writing assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of the cocking sleeve shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a firearm cylinder comprising part of a second embodiment of a pen gun firing assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the firearm cylinder being in a cocked condition;

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the firearm cylinder of FIG. 9 in an uncocked condition, the firearm barrel having been disengaged;

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of the firearm cylinder of FIG. 9 with the firing mechanism having been disassembled;

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the complete pen gun firing assembly of FIG. 9, inclusive of the cocking sleeve, the pen gun firing assembly being in an uncocked and unlatched condition;

FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the pen gun firing assembly of FIG. 12 in a firing pin pick-up condition, following a 180-degree rotation of the cocking sleeve with respect to FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a plan view of the pen gun firing assembly of FIG. 12 in an uncocked and latched condition;

FIG. 15 shows a plan view of the pen gun firing assembly of FIG. 12 in a cocked and unlatched condition; and

FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the pen gun firing assembly of FIG. 12 in a fired condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a pen gun, indicated globally at 10, which is suitable for use as a writing implement, preferably a fountain pen, as well as being capable of use as a single shot firearm.

The pen gun 10 comprises a pen body 12 having upper and lower pen body portion 14, 16, a neck portion 18 which extends from the upper pen body portion 14 and terminates in a nib 20 or similar writing implement, for example, a ball-point. A cap 22 or lid may be also provided which encloses the neck portion 18 and nib 20 to prevent drying out of the ink at the nib 20.

At an opposite end of the pen body 12 to the nib 20 is positioned a firearm barrel 24, via which ammunition, preferably a .22 calibre bullet, for example, can be expelled. Other calibres could just as easily be used, however, for example, a pen gun which utilizes 9 mm ammunition could be considered. The activation of the pen gun 10 to fire via the firearm barrel 24 is controllable via manipulation of the upper and lower pen body portions 14, 16, which are relatively rotatable and retractable to one another. Careful sequential actuation of the upper pen body portion 14 relative to the lower pen body portion 16 can cock and fire the pen gun 10. In an uncocked condition, however, the upper and lower body portions 14, 16 preferably form a flush outer surface of the pen body 12, thereby giving the appearance of an ordinary pen.

A writing assembly 26 of the pen gun 10 can be seen in detail in FIG. 3, which comprises the components which are coupled to the upper body portion 14 of the pen gun 10.

The nib 20, which is here mounted to a seating base 28, is held captive within the neck portion 18, which is engageable, preferably screw-threadably engageable, with the upper body portion 14. An ink cartridge 30 is seatable so as to be fluidly engageable with the nib 20 via coupling to the seating base 28. This interengagement of the nib 20, neck portion 18 and ink cartridge 30 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 4 to 6. Preferably, the ink cartridge 30 is a standard 38 mm ink cartridge, for example, but the writing assembly 26 could be formed to accept other ink cartridge sizes, such as 73 mm cartridges or proprietary cartridges, for example.

The upper pen body portion 14 is coupled to a cocking sleeve 32, preferably by the use of a screw-threaded fastener such as a grub screw which physically connects the upper pen body portion 14 and cocking sleeve 32. These components are illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The cocking sleeve 32 is formed as a hollow metal cylinder, preferably formed from titanium, steel, aluminium, or a similarly robust material, and is open at one end 34 thereof such that the ink cartridge 30 is receivable therein. Titanium is preferred as it is lightweight and strong, and is resistant to oxidation. The cocking sleeve 32 includes a non-linear latching slot 36 which forms part of the firing mechanism, and is formed in the depicted embodiment as a non-linear latching slot 36 having an axial run 38 and a retaining shoulder 40 which is positioned at an oblique angle to the axial run 38. The axial run 38 extends to an opposite end 42 of the cocking sleeve 32 which is distal to the neck portion 18.

The cocking sleeve 32 may further include a rear track 44, formed as a circumferential aperture, and which has a secondary latching shoulder 46 thereon. This can provide a locking function for the pen gun 10 to prevent or inhibit accidental firing.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a firearm cylinder 48 of the pen gun firing assembly 50 of the pen gun 10, which is the component of the pen gun 10 which houses ammunition and the firing mechanism 52. The firearm cylinder 48 is formed as a robust material, preferably titanium, or steel, for example, and is open at at least a first end 54, wherein there is provided a firearm barrel 24. The firearm barrel 24 may preferably be releasably engageable with the firearm cylinder 48, for example, having a screw-threaded engagement, and more preferably a left-handed screw-thread.

At an opposite end 56 of the firearm cylinder 48 is provided a spring seat 58, which is here provided as a screw-threaded or similarly releasably engageable element which can be inserted into the end 56 of the firearm cylinder 48, thereby closing off the end 56. The spring seat 58 may be provided with a tool-engagement recess, for, for instance, engaging with a hexagonal key, to permit rotary extraction of the spring seat 58.

The firing mechanism 52 in a cocked condition is visible in FIG. 9 through a non-linear track 60 of the firearm cylinder 48 which defines a path along which the firing mechanism 52 can operate. The release or fired condition of the firing mechanism 52 is shown in FIG. 10. The non-linear track 60 preferably includes an axial run 62 and a perpendicular track shoulder 64. The perpendicular track shoulder 64 here defines the cocked position of the firing mechanism 52, and may include a detent portion 66 with which the firing mechanism 52 can engage in the cocked position.

The firing mechanism 52, as shown in FIG. 11, includes a firing pin 68 having at least one lateral engagement projection 70. In the present arrangement, the firing pin 68 comprises a cylindrical body portion 72 which is abuttably engageable with a spring 74 of the firing mechanism 52 and which has a diametric bore. A pin element 76 is then provided which is receivable within the diametric bore to form the lateral engagement projection 70, and as shown, extends laterally of the cylindrical body portion 72 to form two said lateral engagement projections 70 which can be in use held captive by the non-linear track 60. Evidently, two opposed non-linear tracks 60 are provided on the illustrated firearm cylinder 48; only one non-linear track 60 is visible at any one time in FIGS. 9 to 11.

The firing pin 68 further comprises a, preferably rimfire, striker 78 at one end thereof, with a spring-engagement projection 80 being provided at an opposite end. It will, of course, be appreciated that a centrefire firing pin could be used as an alternative. This spring engagement projection 80 is seatable within an inner void of the spring 74, which is preferably formed as a helical compression spring.

In an assembled condition, if loaded, the firing pin 68 is configured so as to be spaced apart from any ammunition. This is achieved by a locking condition of the cocking sleeve 32 once assembled.

The fully assembled pen gun firing assembly 50 is shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, in which the firearm cylinder 48 is coupled to the cocking sleeve. The illustrated cocking sleeve is a different embodiment of cocking sleeve to that described above; however, identical or similar reference numerals will be used to refer to identical or similar components thereof, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 16 is referenced at 132.

The cocking sleeve 132 has non-linear latching slot 136 having an axial run 138 and a retaining shoulder 140 which is perpendicular to the axial run 138, having a detent 182 therein which is complementarily engageable with the lateral engagement projection 70 of the firing pin 70. A side edge 184 of the axial run 138 can be considered to be a trigger edge of the pen gun firing assembly 50, as will be detailed below.

The cocking sleeve 132 may be slidably retractable with respect to the firearm cylinder 48, and may be designed to engage with the firing pin 68 so as to cock and fire the pen gun 10.

In a default condition, the axial runs 62, 136 of the firearm cylinder 48 and cocking sleeve 132 respectively align, and the cocking sleeve 132 can be freely retracted relative to the firearm cylinder 48 without significant resistance. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 12.

The rear track 144 of the cocking sleeve 132 can be used to lock the relative position of the cocking sleeve 132 and firearm cylinder 48 by including a secondary latching shoulder 146 which can engage with a secondary engagement projection of the firearm cylinder 48, and also prevents accidental disengagement of the firearm cylinder 48 and cocking sleeve 132. The depicted embodiment does not show the secondary engagement projection, but a receiving aperture 186 for a pin element to form the secondary engagement projection can be seen to illustrate the position. In the configuration depicted in FIG. 12, the secondary engagement projection prevents rotation of the cocking sleeve 132 in one direction.

The cocking of the pen gun 10 is achieved by retracting the firing pin 68, thereby compressing the spring 74 to create the necessary potential energy to fire the pen gun 10. The cocking sleeve 132 can be rotated relative to the firearm cylinder 48 when in a relatively unretracted condition, such that the lateral engagement projection 70 is received in the retaining shoulder 140, preferably held at least partially captive in the detent 182. FIG. 13 shows the captive condition of the lateral engagement projection 70.

To start the cocking process of the pen gun 10, the cocking sleeve 132 is retracted relative to the firearm cylinder 48, the lateral engagement projection 70 being drawn along the axial run 62 of the non-linear track 60. The cocking sleeve 132 can then be rotated so as to lock the firing pin 68 in position. This arrangement can be seen in FIG. 14; the secondary engagement projection is held in the secondary latching shoulder 146 and the lateral engagement projection 70 is held rotationally displaced from the axial run 62 of the non-linear track 60. In FIG. 14, this has been achieved by a rotation in a first direction, which is a counter-clockwise rotation of the cocking sleeve 132 with respect to the firearm cylinder 48 when viewed from the firearm barrel 24.

Continued rotation of the cocking sleeve 132 will bring the lateral engagement projection 70 into contact with the end of the track shoulder 64 of the non-linear track 60, preferably being seated in the detent portion 66, helping to prevent accidental discharge of the firing pin 68. Rotation of the cocking sleeve 132 can continue until the rear track 144 prevents rotation of the cocking sleeve 132 by contact with the secondary engagement projection. This allows for some overrun of the retaining shoulder 140 across the lateral engagement projection 70.

Rotation of the cocking sleeve 132 in a second direction, which is clockwise with respect to the firearm cylinder 48 when viewed from the firearm barrel 24, will bring the side edge 184 of the axial run 138 towards, and eventually into contact with, the lateral engagement projection 70. This cocked condition is shown in FIG. 15, the lateral engagement projection 70 having been urged out of the detent 66.

Further rotation of the cocking sleeve 132 in the second direction will urge the lateral engagement projection 70 of the firing pin 68 until the axial runs 62, 136 of the firearm cylinder 48 and cocking sleeve 132 are once again aligned. Once in this position, there will be no axial restraint acting against the lateral engagement projection 70. The spring 74 will then be released, forcing the firing pin 68 in the direction of the firearm barrel 24, which will in turn contact with any loaded ammunition, causing the pen gun 10 to fire.

The pen gun firing assembly 52 is therefore sufficiently compact to be fit inside the pen body 12. The relative rotation of the firearm cylinder 48 and cocking sleeve 132 is therefore achieved by a user by relative rotation of the upper and lower pen body portions 14, 16, since the upper pen body portion 14 is connected to the cocking sleeve 132 and the lower pen body portion 16 is connected to the firearm cylinder 48.

The pen gun functionality has been described in detail herebefore. It will be appreciated that, given the bespoke nature of the pen gun, that the aesthetic appearance of the pen body may well be tailored to the individual user; the pen body may be ornate and/or bejewelled, for example. It will therefore be apparent that the form of the pen body could be readily altered without deviating from the invention as herebefore detailed.

It is therefore possible to provide a pen gun which has a firearm mechanism which is sufficiently sized so as to be able to accommodate an ink cartridge within. This allows the pen gun to be used both as a firearm and as a writing implement.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pen gun firing assembly comprising: a firearm cylinder having a firearm barrel at a first end and a spring seat at a second opposite end, the firearm cylinder having a non-linear track in an outer surface thereof; a firing mechanism receivable within the firearm cylinder, the firing mechanism comprising a firing pin having a lateral engagement projection which is held captive by the non-linear track, and a spring which is compressible against the spring seat; and a cocking sleeve which is retractable relative to the firearm cylinder, the cocking sleeve having a non-linear latching slot which is engageable with the lateral engagement projection to retract the firing pin, the lateral engagement projection and non-linear latching slot disengaging upon relative rotation of the firearm cylinder and cocking sleeve to trigger firing of the pen gun firing assembly.
 2. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firearm barrel is releasably engageable with the firearm cylinder.
 3. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the firearm barrel is screw-threadably engaged with the firearm cylinder.
 4. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the firearm barrel is screw-threadably engaged with the firearm cylinder with a left-handed screw thread.
 5. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-linear latching slot includes an axial run and a perpendicular shoulder.
 6. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the perpendicular shoulder includes a detent portion which is complementarily engageable with the lateral engagement projection.
 7. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-linear latching slot includes an axial run and a retaining shoulder which is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the axial run.
 8. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-linear track includes an axial run and a perpendicular track shoulder, the perpendicular track shoulder defining a cocked position of the firing pin.
 9. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the perpendicular track shoulder includes a detent portion which is complementarily engageable with the lateral engagement projection.
 10. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firearm cylinder further comprises a secondary engagement projection, the cocking sleeve including a rear track having a secondary latching shoulder which is engageable with the secondary engagement projection.
 11. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firing pin comprises a cylindrical body portion which is abuttably engageable with the spring and which has a diametric bore, and a pin element which is receivable within the diametric bore to form the lateral engagement projection.
 12. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firing pin has a plurality of said lateral engagement projections, the firearm cylinder has a plurality of complementary said non-linear tracks, and the cocking sleeve has a plurality of complementary said non-linear latching slots.
 13. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firing pin comprises a rimfire firing pin.
 14. A pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firearm cylinder and cocking sleeve are formed from titanium.
 15. A pen gun comprising a pen gun firing assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprises: a lower pen body portion receivable around the firearm cylinder; an upper pen body portion which is receivable around the cocking sleeve and is rotatable relative to the lower pen body portion; and a writing tip portion which defines, in conjunction with the cocking sleeve, an ink-cartridge recess at or adjacent to the upper pen body portion.
 16. A pen gun as claimed in claim 15, wherein the upper and lower pen body portions together define a flush outer surface of the pen gun.
 17. A pen gun as claimed in claim 15, wherein the writing tip portion includes a neck portion and a nib which is held by the neck portion. 